Skip to content
Sign inOpen the app
Artwork for Time for Torah: By Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Zt"l
Religion & Spirituality

Time for Torah: By Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Zt"l

AK Publishers

Rabbi Elimelech Kohn zt”l was born in Hungary and emigrated to the United States at the age of 3 with his mother and brother. He grew up in Detroit and attended Telshe Yeshiva for 15 Years. After R’ Elimelech married he lived in Lakewood and learned in Beth Medrash Govoha before moving to Riverdale to join Telshe Yeshiva there. Once in Riverdale, R’ Elimelech became a beloved Rebbe to hundreds of Talmidim over the course of two and a half decades. His Shiurim are based upon the weekly Parsha or upcoming Yom Tov and infused with lessons and ideas from science, history, philosophy and Mussar.

SubscribePlay latestOpen in podnodRSS feedShow website
  • 20 episodes
  • Updated Monday

Episodes20

Newest first
  • August 2 · 1 hr 17 min

    Parshas Re'eh: Insights on the Parsha

    Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת ראה.Discussed: We learn a lesson from the first Pasuk, that an individual can affect the entire world by his actions. R' Akiva Eiger has a Pshat in a cryptic Ba'al Haturim regarding false prophets. Three Peshatim on the Pasuk אחרי ה' אלוקיכם תלכו, after Hashem you shall follow. Why does the Torah use an expression that implies the person is far from Hashem?

  • July 28 · 1 hr 30 min

    Parshas Ekev: אין עוד מלבדו - The Key to Miracles

    Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת עקב. Discussed: The Nefesh Hachaim reveals the secret to miracles, as illustrated by the story of R' Chanina Ben Dosa and the witch. Why was R' Chanina Ben Dosa oblivious to the danger of Kishuf, disregarding the principle of אין סומכין על הנס. Moreover, even the Avos and Moshe Rabeinu did not rely on their זכותים to protect themselves from danger! The Nefesh Hachaim explains the significance of the bronze snake in the Midbar, and why the Yidden were instructed to look above the snake (representing evil) to find salvation. The Medrash states that one can rely on Emunah even when lacking any other merit. This is also the lesson of the Manna in this week's Parsha. Bread alone cannot nourish a person; rather, it is the Word of Hashem that grants bread its life-nourishing power. Hashem continues to provide all forms of sustenance, just as He provided the Manna.

  • July 27 · 1 hr 21 min

    Parshas Ekev: הטוב והמטיב - Appreciating the Good in the Face of Calamity

    Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת עקב. Continuing the topic of Birchas Hamazon. Discussed: Two approaches, from the Even Haezra and Bais Halevi, in explaining the Torah prohibition of the emotion of jealousy. Understanding why Lol Sachmod is part of the עשרת הדיברות and how it connects with the first of the דיברות (Anochi Hashem). Explaining why Chazal added a fourth Bracha to Benching in honor of the miracle at Beitar. Recognizing the ways that Hashem provides for the Jewish people throughout the various eras of our history: starting from the Midbar, continuing with our conquest of Eretz Yisrael, the period of the Bais Hamikdash, and ultimately, even in the darkness of Galus.

  • July 27 · 1 hr 7 min

    Parshas Ekev: The Battle of Bread

    Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת עקב. Discussed: Why is the Mitzvah only to Bless Hashem after eating? It would seem more logical (as the Gemara writes) to make a Bracha before eating. Two Peshatim why the Torah considers the מן to be a "test" for the Bnei Yisrael in the desert. R' Shamshon Refael Hirsch examines the similar roots of the words לחם (bread) and מלחמה (war), and writes that Bentching with a Zimun promotes Achdus and prevents conflict and war.

  • July 24 · 1 hr 32 min

    Parshas Vaeschanan: אמונה - The Key to Life

    Shiur from My Father Rabbi Kohn ZT"L on פרשת ואתחנן‎. Discussed: Why did Moshe Rabeinu have such an overwhelming desire to enter Eretz Yisrael? R' Yechezkal Abramsky found meaning and Chizuk in the Modeh Ani Tefilla, helping him thrive during his bitter exile in Siberia. The Nefesh Hachaim provides the secret to miracles, as illustrated by the story of R' Chanina Ben Dosa and the witch.

  • July 24 · 1 hr 55 min

    Gadol Hashalom Part 2: The Law of Unintended Consequences

    The second part of the Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on the topic of Bein Adam L'chaveiro.Discussed: R' Chaim Shmulevitz examines a few Gemaras in which we see that terrible consequences result when people hurt others, even unintentionally! The Margolis Hayom explains why the Gemara praises ר' יהודה בר אלעאי‎, that in his generation six people shared a Tallis. Why is ר' יהודה בר אלעאי‎ praised for the action of his Talmidim? A close look at the two places in Shas where it brings the story of R' Akiva as he went off to learn for 24 years, and the different lessons that we learn from each Gemara. Why did the first batch of Talmidim of Rabbi Akiva die, and why specifically in the time period between Pesach and Shavous? What changed with the new Talmidim that they were worthy to establish Torah for Klal Yisrae for all eternity?

  • July 24 · 1 hr 20 min

    Gadol Hashalom Part 1: The Prerequisite of the Torah

    Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on the topic of Bein Adam L'chaveiro. Related to the Shiur on Devarim.Discussed: A discussion highlighting the difference between punishment for sin and the consequence of sin. Why Chazal praise the generation of ר' יהודה בר אילאי, that six of his Talmidim shared one garment. How do six people share one Tallis? R' Chaim Shmulevitz discusses two prerequisites for קבלת התורה, and how these two Middos were exemplified by the Talmidim of R' Yehuda Bar Ilai.

  • July 20 · 1 hr 34 min

    Tisha B'Av: Why We Lost The Land

    Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on תשעה באב.Discussed: • The Ran explains what the Gemora means that the Beis Hamikdash was destroyed because they weren’t careful to make a Bracha before learning Torah and how to reconcile this Gemara with the other Gemora that says it was destroyed because of the three cardinal sins. • R’ Elya Lopian explains why only Hashem was able to explain the reason the Beis Hamikdash was destroyed, and that since Klal Yisrael disrespected and cheapened the Torah into just a means to an end, it therefore didn’t protect them from committing the sins that ultimately caused the Beis Hamikdash’s destruction. • R’ Reuven Rosovsky on the Torah’s perspective on balancing our love for the land of Israel, the Hebrew & Yiddish languages, and staying focused on the greater agenda of learning Torah & coming close to Hashem.

  • July 20 · 1 hr 19 min

    Tisha B'Av: Rabbi Akiva and the Holocaust - Understanding Jewish Martyrdom

    Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on תשעה באב, on the topic of the holocaust, Kiddush Hashem, and Jewish martyrdom. Understanding the Gemara regarding the death of Rabbi Akiva; What did his talmidim mean when they asked, "Until this point?" as he recited Shema while the Romans were putting him to death? Also, what was the significance of it being זמן קריאת שמע? Amazing letter from a survivor of the camps describing the ultimate level of sacrifice. The Shalah’s explanation of Hashem’s response to Moshe Rabeinu when he asked why Rabbi Akiva had to suffer such a horrible fate. Also, what did Hashem mean that R' Akiva's fate was "My original intention."

  • July 17 · 1 hr 15 min

    Devarim - Tisha B'Av: Survival Guide for Galus

    Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת דברים & תשעה באב.Discussed: Various Medrashim and Peshatim on the Pasuk in Devarim, רב לכם סב את ההר הזה פנו לכם צפנה. The Kli Yakor writes that this Pasuk has a hidden message for future generations, that Jews in Galus should hide their wealth and success. He rebuked the Jews in his generation who flaunted their wealth because it incited the jealousy of Eisav and Yishmael, causing persecution. R' Yisrael Salanter writes that making a Bracha on the Torah shows an appreciation for how the Torah distinguishes and elevates the Jews, and therefore when the Jews did not make a Bracha, the first Beis Hamikdash was destroyed.

  • July 15 · 1 hr 33 min

    Parshas Devarim: The Greatness of Peace and the Consequences of Strife

    Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת דברים. This Shiur connects with the Gadol Hashalom series. Discussed: Lessons one can learn from Moshe Rabeinu on the proper way to give תוכחה (rebuke). R' Chaim Shmulevitz on the importance of proper sensitivity to human dignity even for low and deplorable people. The terrible consequences that come from a lack of Bein Adom L'chaveiro, as illustrated by the generations of Dovid and Achav.

  • July 7 · 1 hr 13 min

    Parshas Matos: The Rambam's Sixth, Seventh, & Eighth Principle - נבואת משה Part B

    Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת מטות,‎ a continuation from the previous Shiur on the topic of נבואת משה. Discussed: • The Rambam's approach, based on various Pesukim in the Torah, that Revelation at Har Sinai also established Moshe Rabeinu as the ultimate Navi and transmitter of the Torah. • How the flaws in a Navi's Middos creates barriers in the prophetic vision. In contrast, Moshe Rabeinu's unique character traits differed from other Neviem, enabling him to transmit the Torah and act as the conduit between Hashem and the world.

  • July 7 · 1 hr 20 min

    Parshas Matos: The Rambam's Sixth, Seventh, & Eighth Principle - נבואת משה Part A

    Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת מטות‎ on the topic of נבואת משה. Discussed: • What is the difference between 'כה אמר ה', the phrase used by all נביאים, and the phrase 'זה דבר ה' used by Moshe? • Why does the Rambam have two separate principles of faith, one to believe in prophecy and a second for נבואת משה? What is so special about נבואת משה that it requires a separate principle of faith? • The Rambam explains what purpose miracles play in relation to prophecy and what are the requirements before we accept someone as a bona fide נביא.

  • July 7 · 1 hr 34 min

    Parshas Matos: Elef Lemateh - Doing Battle With Tefilla

    Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת מטות‎. Discussed: The pros & cons of taking out a life insurance policy. R' Chatzkel's deep insight as to why the number of people dedicated to praying corresponded to those that fought in the battle, and why was it necessary for them to be on the actual battlefield when they davened. The Chofetz Chaim's explanation as to why Hagolas Keilim (Kashering utensils) is called Chok Hatorah, similar to the Para Adumah.

  • July 7 · 1 hr 36 min

    Parshas Matos: The Purifying Power of Torah

    Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת מטות‎. Discussed: The Chofetz Chaim finds a parallel between the Parsha of Kashering utensils and the methods for proper Teshuva. A lesson from the Bnei Gad and Bnei Reuvain about the importance of staying affiliated with the entirety of Bnei Yisrael. Also discussed, is how children are influenced by the place where they are raised.

  • July 1 · 1 hr 12 min

    How Pinchas Saved the Jewish People

    Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת פנחס. Discussed: A Pshat why the Jews deserved to die even though they were motivated by lust to serve idols, and therefore according to the Rambam they don’t deserve capital punishment. The Sforno explains why Pinchas merited a long life because of his vengeful act. R’ Chaim explains why Pinchas was rewarded with a covenant of peace when his action was one of violence.

  • July 1 · 1 hr 10 min

    Parshas Pinchas: In the Public's Eye

    Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת פנחס.Discussed: Understanding the Sforno, that the public sin of Zimri required a public act of vengeance in response. A discussion on the possible merit that the United States had to become a superpower. R' Chaim Shmulevitz explains the unusual and vulgar worship of Baal Peor. Furthermore, why did this repulsive form of Avoda Zara attract so many Jews?

  • June 25 · 1 hr 18 min

    Parshas Balak: Greatness Without Goodness is Evil

    Shiur from Rabbi Elimelech Kohn Ztl on פרשת בלק. Discussed: The contrast between the reactions of Yisro and Balak after each heard the same exact news about Yitzias Mitzrayim, and how their reactions remain the theme of each of their respective Parshios. If as Chazal tells us, "Prophecy is one of the highest spiritual levels a person can reach", how did Bilam attain that level while being such a low and deplorable individual? The lesson that Hashem was showing the other nations by giving them such a powerful prophet like Bilam.